How Argentina could line up against Venezuela

© Reuters

Following their Copa America glory in the summer, Argentina will return to competitive action on Friday with a World Cup Qualifying clash against Venezuela, and they come in with almost a full squad, other than Barcelona forward Sergio Aguero, who has missed out through injury.

Lionel Messi will lead out his nation after moving from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, and the talismanic forward boasts the all-time goal record for both Barca and his national side.

He will be joined in a dangerous front line by the likes of Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez and new Paris Saint-Germain teammate Angel Di Maria, who hit the only goal in their 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final of this year's Copa America to earn La Albiceleste their 15th South American title.

Tottenham Hotspur pair Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso and Aston Villa duo Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia have all been granted permission to fly from England to join the national side, and Martinez will continue to start between the sticks after several inspired performances at this summer's tournament.

Meanwhile, Romero and Lo Celso could both play key roles in defence and midfield respectively, with the centre-back keen to break into the side alongside experienced defender Nicolas Otamendi.

Lo Celso thrived in a midfield trio with Paris Saint-Germain's Leandro Paredes and new Atletico Madrid star Rodrigo De Paul at the Copa America, and Lionel Scaloni should continue to deploy all three in the centre.

Full-back spots remain up for grabs in La Albiceleste's starting XI, with the likes of Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Tagliafico and Marcos Acuna all keen for spots in the back four, having all featured this summer, with Montiel and Acuna given the nod in the final.

Argentina possible starting lineup: E Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Lo Celso, Paredes, De Paul; Di Maria, Messi, L Martinez